Guys and Dolls

Photo: Manuel Harlan

A new production of Frank Loesser's award-winning Guys and Dolls is currently enjoying a run at The Bridge Theatre in London.

This popular musical has had many incarnations over the years - all wonderful - but they have raised the bar with this version, adopting the modern trend of immersive staging with the audience up close and personal.

As you walk in you are immediately transported to 1950s New York, with street sellers, neon signs, and 'cops' as ushers. We had seats on the balcony, which were great, but if you really want to be part of the action, book standing tickets and become a supporting artist (though this does mean you are shuffled around a bit). 

Wherever you find yourself watching, you will see a cast at the top of their game.

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Owain Arthur is convincingly desperate as the loveable-but-shady Nathan Detroit, struggling to find a location for his floating crap game while the 'heat is on'.

Enter the notorious gambler, Sky Masterson (a charismatic portrayal by the velvet-voiced Andrew Richardson) with his cool confidence and fondness for strange bets.

Needing cash fast, Nathan suggests a wager: Sky must take saintly mission doll, Sarah Brown, – played here by Celinde Schoenmaker – to Havana for dinner. Throw in her need for a ready supply of sinners for her Salvation Army meeting and she's off to Cuba to fall in love.

Impressive vocals throughout do justice to the well-known score - including a truly superb version of “Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat' and a goosebump-worthy final note in 'Adelaide's Lament' - and special mention for all those dancing on the ever-moving stage! Bravo!

Even if you have seen this musical before, don’t dismiss it as ‘been there, done that’. This is something different and you will love the fresh, original take on a classic.

Ask me how do I feel? Impressed.

PS: Stick around at the end for the opportunity to dance with the cast. Also, buy a Sinatra trilby in the foyer - I didn't and regretted it immediately.

Guys and Dolls was at the Bridge Theatre in London.